Star junior Mattox verbally commits to Ohio State

One of the best juniors in the country, Jaden Mattox (Grove City Central Crossing, Ohio) verbally committed to Ohio State on Monday. Entering this past weekend ranked No. 9 nationally at 152 pounds, and as the No. 17 overall prospect in the Class of 2018, Mattox had an event to remember at the Rieman Invite. He earned victories over No. 9 (at 145) Dom Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio) by a 14-5 major decision in the semifinal round before upending No. 3 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio) 8-6 in the championship match; the showdown with Carr could easily be the state final come one month's time.

Mattox is a two-time state finalist, finishing runner-up at 113 pounds as a freshman before winning the title last year at 132. He is also a two-time Super 32 Challenge placer, finishing seventh in 2014 at 113 pounds before finishing fourth this year at 152. The national weight class ranking for Mattox is almost assuredly to move inside the top five come Wednesday morning. He projects to compete collegiately as a 165/174 and is the first Buckeyes commit for their 2018 class.